Your Resource For All Things LIC |
|
|
LIC Update: August 11, 2021 |
|
|
JetBlue Recommits to its Headquarters in LIC |
We are thrilled to share that LICP Member JetBlue will retain its headquarters in LIC, and advance plans to expand its flagship terminal at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). A press release on the decision can be viewed here.
|
|
|
|
 |
Queens Tech Council Brings Networking Event to LIC |
The Queens Tech Council, an initiative by the Queens Chamber of Commerce (QCC) and supported by LICP, hosted a networking event at LIC’s ICONYC Brewing on Tuesday, August 10. The event brought out NYCEDC President Rachel Loeb, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, Deputy Borough President Rhonda Binda and QCC President Tom Grech, among others. The Queens Tech Council is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, thriving, and self-sustaining tech economy in Queens. Learn how to get involved here.
|
|
|
|
New Hotspot Penny Bridge Introduces Indoor Dining |
Penny Bridge, run by award-winning chef Dan Kluger, is now open for indoor and outdoor dining. Located on the ground level of the JACX building, the new live-work-play development by Tishman Speyer on Jackson Avenue, the eatery has already received positive reviews for its seasonal comfort food. Penny Bridge is open Wednesday-Saturday from 5:30-9:00 p.m. See the menu here.
|
|
|
|
|
G Train Service Extended Between LIC and Coney Island - Aug 13-16 |
Have friends along the F-train line in Brooklyn? Now is the perfect time for them to visit LIC. For the second weekend in a row, G-train service will be extended to replace the F-train from Church Avenue to Coney Island. Service is in effect from Friday, August 13 at 9:30 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. on Monday, August 16. Visit MTA.info for weekend transit updates.
|
|
|
|
NYC Homecoming Week Brings Events to All Five Boroughs - Aug 14-22 |
NYC Homecoming Week, organized by the Office of the Mayor, will bring live concerts, free movie screenings, cultural activities, public art and more to venues and spaces across all five boroughs. Taking place August 14-22, the event encourages support for local businesses and organizations that have continued to persevere despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. LIC and Queens-based events can be viewed here; there's everything from live outdoor music to self-guided design tours.
|
|
|
|
|
Historic Wooden Tugboat Built in LIC Reintroduces Public Tours - Through Aug 22 |
75-minute tours around the New York Harbor are once again available on The W.O. Decker, NYC's last remaining wooden tugboat. Built in Long Island City in 1930, the vessel is a testament to LIC's history in shipping production. The cruise highlights city landmarks such as the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, the Brooklyn Bridge and Governors Island. Three tours each Saturday through August 21 will depart from the South Street Seaport Museum. Few slots remain. Tickets range from $15-30 and can be booked here.
|
|
|
|
Your Input Needed: Citi Bike Looking to Expand in Queens - Aug 30 Deadline |
Exciting news ahead for Queens Citi Bike enthusiasts: The bicycle sharing system is looking to expand and wants your help. Through August 30, Citi Bike will collect feedback from bike riders who are looking to improve coverage in parts of Queens in 2022. In addition to Sunnyside and Woodside, riders are encouraged to suggest areas for expansion in Fresh Pond and Maspeth. Want to help enhance Citi Bike across Queens? Learn more and share your insights here.
|
|
|
|
Tickets, Sponsorships and Ads Available for LICP's 32nd Annual Awards Gala - Sept 21 |
LICP's Annual Awards Gala returns on September 21 at JACX&CO. The signature event attracts more than 350 business and civic leaders from across the city for an evening featuring networking, entertainment, delectable light bites and drinks. Now in its 32nd year, the Gala continues in the celebration of excellence in leadership and community impact. We’re pleased to share that this year’s honorees include The Floating Hospital and Plaxall, both of which exemplify these themes.
Will you join us?
|
|
|
|
|
Business Sign Ups Available: Congresswoman Maloney Hosts Jobs Fair - Aug 25 |
Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney will host a job fair at the Jacob Riis Neighborhood Settlement (10-25 41st Ave, Queens, NY 11101) on August 25, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. The fair is open to all of the NY-12 congressional district. Businesses and organizations wishing to table and share available job openings with jobseekers with varying experience and abilities are encouraged to register to table. Please note: While the event is scheduled to be in-person, modifications to its format will be made in accordance with public health recommendations.
|
|
|
|
Curbside Composting Returns This Fall |
Registration is now live for the NYC Department of Sanitation's (DSNY) Curbside Composting program. Returning this fall, DSNY will collect food scraps, yard waste and food-soiled paper via designated brown bins; contents are then turned into compost or renewable energy. The service is available to residential buildings of all sizes located within selected areas, including much of LIC. Sign up details and more information can be found here.
|
|
|
|
New Fitness Studio, Performance Lab, Offering 40% Off Deal to Founding Members |
LICP Member and new local fitness studio Performance Lab is the neighborhood’s only multi-modality studio offering strength, endurance, mobility and recovery training under one roof. The fitness studio prescribes a holistic program sculpted to each client’s individual needs. Varied programming, including but not limited to: Strength Rx, Cardio Rx, Strike, Infrared Yoga, Hot HIIT and Breath Rx offers clients a variety of ways to burn calories and gain mobility and strength -- necessary for pushing through fitness plateaus and reaching goals.
Performance Lab founding members can receive 40% off memberships and class packages when signing up by August 31, 2021. More information can be found here.
|
|
|
|
Apply Now: Waterfront Affordable Housing Lottery Extended Through September 13 |
If your total household income is between $20,606-$212,685, you may qualify for a rent-stabilized apartment on the Long Island City waterfront. The affordable housing lottery for 5203 Center Blvd, a property from LICP Member TF Cornerstone, has been extended to September 13. Apply online or by mail. To learn more about the program visit Hunterspointsouthaffordablehousing.com
Some Fun Facts About This Residency:
- 5203 Center Blvd is the tallest building on the LIC waterfront
- 5203 Center Blvd & 5241 Center Blvd are anchored together by a brand new half-acre public park
- 5203 Center Blvd will bring additional parking to the neighborhood through a parking garage operated by a third party
- 5203 Center Blvd will be partially powered by rooftop solar panels
|
|
|
|
|
$35M Tax Credit Program Available for Pandemic-Impacted Restaurants |
The $35 million Restaurant Return-to-Work Tax Credit Program provides an incentive to COVID-impacted restaurants, enabling them to bring staff back to work, and increase hiring opportunities. Qualifying businesses are eligible for a tax credit of $5,000 per new hire, up-to $50,000 per business. This opportunity is available to restaurants located in New York City, or in an area outside of New York City designated an Orange or Red Zone for at least thirty consecutive days. Details on the program and zones can be found here.
|
|
|
|
HOSPITALITY HIRE Brings No-Cost Recruiting to Restaurants |
NYC restaurants in need of staffing support can now access no-cost recruitment services via the NYC Department of Small Business Services' (SBS) new HOSPITALITY HIRE initiative. The service leverages Workforce1 Career Center's (WF1) pool of 100,000+ potential workers to fill front and back-of-house positions. Employers interested in taking advantage of this program are encouraged to reach out to Alexandra Greene at agreene@sbs.nyc.gov. A presentation of the program can be viewed here.
|
|
|
|
LIC Community Gift Card Now Redeemable at 60 Area Businesses |
More than 60 businesses have signed up for the LIC Community Gift Card, an LICP initiative and e-gift card program highlighting the best of LIC. It's great for consumers looking for a creative way to support their local community. For businesses - there are no merchant fees.
Participating businesses include: 24 restaurants, 8 cafes/dessert shops, 6 dance/fitness studios, 3 beauty/personal care shops, 3 wine shops, 3 pharmacies, 3 arts organizations, 2 bike shops, 1 flower shop, 1 bookstore and 1 dry cleaner.
A special thanks to our most recent sign ons: Court Square Diner, Levante, Murray’s Cheese Bar, Penny Bridge, Otis & Finn Barbershop and Spokesman Cycles. Learn more here.
|
|
|
|
|
Andrew Taranto Joins LICP as New Project Manager of Community Development |
Andrew Taranto recently joined LICP as its new Project Manager of Community Development, where he stewards a variety of projects focused on enhancing the public realm and the Partnership’s community driven data and mapping initiatives. He brings experience in state government and community engagement. Andrew will manage the LIC Arts Connection and LICP’s life sciences work, among other portfolio items. He is a recent graduate of the Master of Urban Planning Program at CUNY's Hunter College.
|
|
|
|
LICP Partners with the Storefront Arts Recovery Initiative (STAR) |
LICP is partnering with STAR to help further its mission to pair New York City artists, property owners and neighborhoods together to activate vacant storefronts and enliven the city's streets as it recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. The partnership further highlights LIC's vibrant arts community, which includes 40 cultural institutions, dozens of galleries, multiple performance venues and groups, and hundreds of working artists, not to mention many of the fabricators and suppliers. A press release including words from LICP President, Elizabeth Lusskin, can be read here.
|
|
|
|
|
Alexandria Executives Named to City & State's Life Sciences Power 50 List |
Leading executives from LICP Member Alexandria Center for Life Science have been named to City & State's Life Sciences Power 50 List. Both Joel Marcus and John Cunningham, Founder/Executive Chair and Executive Vice Chair/New York City Regional Market Director, respectively, were included on the list for their efforts to recruit and retain biotech companies in New York. The Alexandria Center for Life Science has been at the forefront for biotech in NYC since 2007 and is currently building the city’s first commercial life science campus in Long Island City. See the full list here.
|
|
|
|
One Court Square's Energy Efficient Upgrade |
LICP Member Con Edison and its partners have completed a major energy-efficiency upgrade at One Court Square, the green-tinted skyscraper and long-time anchor of the LIC skyline. The enhancements cut the building’s carbon emissions, easing demands on the local power grid, ultimately converting to consumer savings. The One Court Square project is the largest electric-efficiency retrofit at an office building that Con Edison has undertaken. The 53-story building is owned by LICP Member Savanna, a New York real estate investment manager. Read the press release on the program here.
|
|
|
|
|
NYC Tap Water is Still One of the Best |
New York City continues to enjoy some of the best tap water in the world. The recently launched 2020 Drinking Water Supply & Quality Report by the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) found that the city's drinking water met or surpassed every national and state standard for quality. Annually, the DEP delivers approximately 1 billion gallons of drinking water to nearly 10 million New Yorkers, daily. That's a lot of H2O! See the report here or call 311 in order to request a copy.
|
|
|
|
Inspiring Sculpture Installed at Queensbridge Park |
Artist Tanda Francis’ sculpture ‘Rockit Black’ was selected as part of the Plywood Protection Project to be showcased in LIC’s Queensbridge Park. Francis was one of five artists whose work was highlighted by the initiative. Rockit Black will be on display through November. Watch FOX 5's coverage of the installation here.
|
|
|
|
NYC to Require Workers and Customers to Show Proof of Vaccination for Indoor Activities. Mayor de Blasio announced that New York City will require proof of at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccination for individuals to participate in indoor activities and work at those establishments. This includes indoor restaurants, indoor gyms, and indoor entertainment and performances. This mandate will launch the week of August 16 and be enforced beginning the week of September 13. You can watch the press conference here.
To show proof of vaccination, individuals will need to show their paper vaccination card, the Excelsior pass, or proof via the NYC COVID Safe app. The City is expected to release more information on these protocols the week of August 16.
The NYC LMI Storefront Loan is a zero percent interest loan up to $100,000, focused on helping businesses located in low-to-moderate income (LMI) areas of New York City restart or continue operations after experiencing challenges from COVID-19. The deadline is August 17, 2021, at 11:59 p.m. For the most recent information, contact Osagie Afe at oafe@licpartnership.org.
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIC is a fur-parent paradise and we can't help but love adorable Pomeranian pup @vitothepomfather, who seems to have a penchant for taking in the best city views.
Use #SupportLICLocal or #LICLocal on Instagram or Twitter to submit your photo of the week
|
|
|
|
Thank you to our 2021 Annual Sponsors |
|
|
|
|
|
|
